Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary Islands Archipelago, is more than a tourist destination; it is a historical treasure waiting to be discovered. Tenerife’s history is one of resilience and change, beginning with its ancient origins as home to the Guanches, an indigenous people with a complex culture who were the island’s earliest residents, and ending with the Spanish conquest in 1494, headed by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. Further, in this blog article, we will explore and learn about the rich history of Tenerife’s local cuisine and its diversity of savory plates.
Tenerife’s Gastronomic Roots
Tenerife’s local cuisine is a delicious blend of flavours with a history that dates back to the first inhabitants, the Guanches, with varied cultural influences and a lengthy history. Over time, the island´s food evolved, influenced by worldwide trade, Spanish colonization, and indigenous Guanche customs. Today, Tenerife’s local cuisine continues to grow, maintaining its genuine flavours and cultural legacy.
What is a guachinche?
Historically, it is known that the first inhabitants of Tenerife were the Guanches, from which the name of Guachinche derives. The first guachinches were establishments that appeared from the need of the locals to sell their local wine. Later, they decided to accompany the wine with homemade food (comida casera).
Guachinches are usually located in the northern part of the island, as the idea of a guachinche revolves around locally produced wine. The most common places where you can get a glimpse of this traditional restaurant are in villages like Los Realejos, La Orotava, Victoria de Acentejo, and Santa Ursula.
Tips when going to a Guachinche:
- When you go to a Guachinche, bring some cash with you, as in some places card payment is not available.
- These guachinches are not your typical restaurant with a wide menu; they have a menu with only a few dishes made with regional products.
- Don’t hesitate to try the local dishes like queso asado, a type of goat cheese made on the island with a topping of honey, or mojo verde/rojo.
Must try Traditional Dishes
Guachinches prioritize preparing everything with local ingredients like goat cheese, vegetables, and fruits cultivated on the island. Some of the dishes found in every Guachinche include “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) served with “mojo” sauce, “gofio” (roasted grain flour), goat cheese, various types of stews, carne fiesta, escaldon, and seafood dishes.
These traditional dishes have deep roots in the island’s indigenous past, showcasing ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. These are some of the dishes you can try in a guachinche:
- Queso asado: grilled cheese served with mojo sauces
- Gofio: flour made from roasted cereals, mainly corn
- Piñas con costillas: boiled pork ribs served with corn on the cob
- Rancho Canario: a soup made with chickpeas, meat and potatoes
- Papas arrugadas con mojos: wrinkled potatoes boiled in salted water.
Local Beverages and Desserts in Tenerife
Tenerife is well-known for its savoury food, but there are also some typical drinks and sweets that are worth trying, like:
- Clipper: A soft drink with different flavors (strawberry, orange)
- Barraquito: A sweet drink with coffee and condensed milk
- Timba: A traditional dessert containing biscuits, dulce de guayabo, and white cheese.
Guachinche (Traditional restaurants in Tenerife) recommendations:
- El Cubano is located in La Orotava
- El Romance is located in Caldera de la Orotava
- Guachinche Las Chozas is located in La Orotava
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tenerife offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn about its rich gastronomic heritage, deeply connected with the island’s vibrant history and diverse cultural influences. The traditional guachinches of Tenerife provide an authentic taste of local life, where you can enjoy delicious regional dishes, and get the most out of your Erasmus+ internship in Tenerife.